April is traditionally a slow month for travel, and international tourism is unlikely to resume until 2020. Instead, domestic tourism is likely to become a priority. This year, however, many people are worried about the security of their own country. Travel and hotels are suffering, as they have many employees dependent on their business. That means they must remain flexible and cash-flowing to stay afloat. Luckily, there are some ways to combat the slowdown.
Guesthouses
When traveling, don’t forget to check out Guesthouses. Guesthouses are an excellent option for travelers who prefer to experience local culture, as well as spending less money than they do on a traditional hotel. Many of them are family-run, so the host is likely to know the area well and take care of your needs. They may even provide fresh, locally grown vegetables, eggs, and water. Unlike hotels, however, guest houses don’t have to worry about the rules and regulations.
Bed and Breakfasts
When choosing between Bed and Breakfasts and hotels, there are many things to consider. Most people associate these accommodations with warm hospitality, a cozy nook, and a cat in residence. But the concept has come a long way. More travelers are turning to Bed and Breakfasts when they are looking for true luxury. Today, B&Bs offer modern accoutrements, as well as personalized service.
Hotel chains
Most travelers turn to the trusted brands of hotels when traveling. But will these same hotel brands still be around in 2022? To find out, data journalists at Stacker analyzed YouGov survey data to rank the world’s top hotel chains. They used factors such as average user ratings, availability, revenue and the number of five-star locations to determine which hotel chains will still be around in 2022. Also, they looked at the number of searches made in Google from February 2021 to January 2022.
Online travel agencies
OTAs – Online travel agencies – are a great way for hoteliers to reach a wide audience of travelers and convert them into guests. The first step in using online travel agencies is to identify which channels to use and analyze their effectiveness. Cloudbeds’ Big Book of OTAs helps hoteliers build a smart distribution strategy and connect with local, regional, and niche online travel agencies. Here are some examples of OTAs that are worth exploring.
Hotel perks
A common mistake that many group travel planners make is not asking about hotel perks. Often, these perks are free or at a discounted rate, but you should always negotiate. You may be able to score a free upgrade, or get a free drink if you’re a regular customer. If not, you can always ask if they’ll be willing to make some concessions. Hotel perks vary widely, so it’s important to do some research on what each one offers.